Cashmere City Council moves to create Transportation Benefit District, addresses development concerns

CASHMERE- The Cashmere City Council has taken steps toward creating a new Transportation Benefit District (TBD) to address rising city expenses and budget shortfalls.

During their July 22 meeting, council members directed Mayor Jim Fletcher to proceed with establishing the TBD, which could implement a sales tax ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%. While no formal vote was taken, the council expressed consensus on the need for the maximum 0.3% rate, acknowledging that voter approval would be required for this higher rate.

To address an immediate budget concern, including an unexpected $75,000 increase in jail service costs from Chelan County, the council proposed a two-phase approach. The first step would be to quickly establish the TBD with a 0.1% sales tax, which does not require a public vote. Mayor Fletcher estimated this could generate revenue by January 2025. The second phase would involve seeking voter approval for an additional 0.2% tax, likely to be on the ballot in about a year.

City documents reveal significant increases in public safety costs, with law and fire expenses rising by $172,000 (24%) to $887,000 over two years. This surge has forced reductions in other areas, including halving the transportation capital improvements budget from $400,000 to $200,000.

Mayor Fletcher highlighted that the city is already providing fewer services due to increased costs, including reduced street maintenance, repairs, sweeping, and mowing. He emphasized that funds from the new tax would be earmarked for roadways and transportation-related projects.

Council members stressed the importance of clearly communicating to the public the necessity of additional revenue to cover rising costs. Council Member Shela Pistoresi emphasized the need to understand the big picture when determining the required tax rate.

In other business, the council addressed concerns about the impact of development on city infrastructure. Council member Jeff Johnson initiated a discussion on reviewing development codes, particularly focusing on the effects of new projects on city roads and residents.

Johnson cited a specific development on Kennedy Road as problematic, where 27 lots were added to a single-lane road without required improvements. He argued that developers should bear the costs of necessary infrastructure upgrades rather than pass them on to city residents.

The council recommended that the Cashmere Planning Commission investigate the issue and explore options for addressing future development impacts.

In unanimous decisions, the council approved an agreement with BLADES Code Services, LLC for building inspections and authorized the mayor to sign a letter acknowledging LocalTel services' transition to Ziply Fiber Northwest following the sale of Computer 5's assets.